It’s easy to tell when our furry friends are acting weird, but figuring out what the problem is is possible but difficult. In most cases, veterinarians can spot problems that families can’t, but even professionals sometimes struggle.
Amanda Coleman knew something was wrong with her three-year-old Labrador named Poppy for several weeks before veterinarians determined the cause. Somehow, a rod stuck inside her neck was undetectable on an X-ray. So when the vet found the root of Poppy’s symptoms, it seemed like a miracle that the dog had survived this long.
Severe symptoms with no explanation
Coleman first realized something was wrong with Poppy when she started vomiting during nighttime walks. At one point, blood gushed from her mouth as she coughed, so Coleman suspected something was stuck in her throat. She rushed Poppy to the emergency vet, where they treated the bleeding wound but didn’t notice anything in her throat. However, Poppy continued to be annoyed.
Despite numerous vet visits and treatments, no one noticed a 4-inch stick stuck in Poppy’s neck for more than six weeks. Someone referred small animal specialist Erika Villedieu at the Willows Veterinary Center. Coleman would do anything to help Poppy, so she arranged an appointment there. Villedieu was the first veterinarian to discover the cane and recommended emergency surgery.
“At first, we were surprised to find Poppy walking around with this cane still inside without anyone noticing. Still, I’m relieved that something was found and Poppy was able to proceed with the surgery right away,” Coleman said.
Villedieu pulled the cane from Poppy’s neck, but that didn’t completely solve the problem. Lab no longer has a swollen neck, but she has other symptoms such as lethargy and drooling.
Veterinarian saves Poppy’s life
Villedieu examined Poppy again and noticed that her salivary glands were larger than usual. So she was diagnosed with sialadenosis, which is a swelling of the salivary glands. The doctor prescribed medication to treat the condition, and Poppy was soon back to normal.
It took only two days of medication for Poppy to work again, but it took four months to detect and resolve the problem. Coleman spent weeks not knowing what happened to his dog and feeling helpless. But thanks to the Willows Veterinary Center, Poppy survived and is healthy.
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“For four months, we worried constantly. Poppy is never left alone – she even came to work with me – and we have had a lot of visits to our local vets among people coming to Willows,” Coleman said. “Honestly, we thought we were going to lose Poppy after everything she’s been through.”
Coleman says that Villedieu performed a miracle that saved Poppy’s life. Fortunately, Poppy’s case is rare, but it does remind pet parents of the importance of being vigilant. If Coleman doesn’t notice Poppy’s symptoms right away, the diagnosis could drag on even further and cost the dog his life. So if you’re concerned about your dog, a vet visit is always a good idea.
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